Page 4437 - Week 14 - Thursday, 28 November 2013
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Gungahlin and Molonglo. For example, I think it is very important that in areas such as Wright and Coombs, where people have started to move in, they are given public transport options as soon as possible after they start moving into those suburbs.
We are going to see the introduction of a new rapid service between Gungahlin and Belconnen. Again, the feedback on that has been very positive. We are seeing improved services into the parliamentary triangle, including two new dedicated morning peak services from Woden and services from Gungahlin that now extend into the triangle rather than terminate in the city.
There are improved services for Dunlop and Macgregor West and improved services between Erindale and the city. There is an increase in espresso services between Weston Creek and the city, something that the Weston Creek Community Council and its members have certainly been lobbying probably all of us for over a number of years—(Time expired.)
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Coe.
MR COE: Minister, what impact will the reduced night-time services have on shift workers, perhaps those serviced by the United Voice union?
MR RATTENBURY: As I indicated in my earlier answer, the MyWay data reveals that very few people are using some of those night-time services. Literally, on average, they have one or two passengers a night. But the intent is to continue to provide a high level of service between the major town centres. So the spine of the network will continue to deliver people to key locations and then, beyond that, there is a deliberate decision that some of those services, which are not being well patronised, will no longer be offered, to enable us to put resources into other parts of the day, including services during the day when many older people are looking for better access to bus services.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Gentleman.
MR GENTLEMAN: Minister, what consideration are you giving to my continual requests for the retention of the Chippindall Circuit, Theodore route?
MR RATTENBURY: Thank you, Mr Gentleman, for the question. I have just today signed a letter in response. I did receive from Mr Gentleman a petition from residents in the affected area. ACTION has received similar representations from residents who have expressed concerns.
I can advise the Assembly that during the planning process for the network the existing Chippindall Circuit loop was identified as having low patronage and was removed from the proposal as a savings measure to allow for additional services elsewhere in the new network. The bus service will still operate in that area, of course. It is just that residents in that part of town will need to walk further to access a service. This is one of the challenges in trying to design the network. Clearly, there are trade-offs. We could provide services that run right through many of the streets in the city, but that, of course, lengthens those routes.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video